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National jobs effort directs $1 million to Philadelphia

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, announces a five-year, $1 million commitment to building jobs in Philadelphia. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

The National Urban League is promoting a program to invest in jobs across the country.

The Jobs Rebuild America program is a 50-city, $100 million effort by the Urban League and the U.S. Department of Labor with $1 million destined for Philadelphia over the next five years.

Commercial electrical contractor James Eley said his company has tripled its employees –and its business — after working with the Urban League.

“We were, in 2013, grossing $500,000 in sales. And now, in 2014, we’re ending out the year at $1.5 million,” he said during a ceremony Friday announcing the effort.

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said the goal is to involve people of all ages.

“Our objective is for high school students to graduate and go to college,” he said.

Creating jobs and economically viable communities must be a collaboration of government, corporate and nonprofit sectors,” said Morial.

“The Philadelphia Urban League is excited to be a grant recipient of this multiyear Jobs Rebuild America initiative,” said Rosalyn McPherson, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Urban League.

“This considerable public and private investment is important for our community as we are committed to ensuring that our small-business sector and youth are prepared to fully participate in Philadelphia’s economy.”So far, 10 entrepreneur centers nationwide have helped 600 businesses earn $2 million in contracts.